Omotoso Acquitted, Deportation to Nigeria Ordered

Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso was acquitted of all charges, including rape and human trafficking, by the Eastern Cape High Court in South Africa after an eight-year legal battle. The verdict has sparked outrage from the uMkhonto weSizwe Women’s League, which criticized the South African justice system for its handling of gender-based violence cases, calling the acquittal a 'violent betrayal' of survivors. Judge Irma Schoeman cited the prosecution's failure to adequately cross-examine Omotoso as a reason for the acquittal, noting that the cross-examination lacked depth and intent to uncover the truth. The National Prosecuting Authority expressed intentions to review the judgment to explore further legal options. Omotoso, who led the Jesus Dominion International church, will be deported to Nigeria following the verdict. The case faced numerous delays, with some witnesses choosing not to testify due to the protracted nature of the trial.